Hendon Hooker reveals he played through meniscus injury before tearing ACL vs. South Carolina in 2022
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Back in 2022, the Tennessee Volunteers were legitimate national championship contenders. Heading into action on Nov. 19, they were the No. 5 team in the country. They had a 9-1 record, and their only loss came on the road against No. 1 Georgia. Unfortunately, their hopes and dreams came crashing down when quarterback Hendon Hooker tore his ACL in a 63-38 loss to South Carolina.
The Vols’ strong season was a direct result of Hooker’s incredible numbers. The fifth-year senior was a Heisman Trophy candidate entering play against the Gamecocks. What we didn’t know at the time was that Hooker was also already injured when he stepped on the field that day. On Friday, Hooker revealed he tore his meniscus the week prior to the South Carolina game.
“What’s really crazy is… I tore my meniscus the game before against Missouri,” Hooker told 3HL on 104-5 The Zone. “Essentially, I’m playing the entire South Carolina game on a torn meniscus. Third play of the game, I take off… I’m like, ‘I’m good to go, I don’t gotta worry about this knee thing.’ Next time I tried to run, I put my foot in the ground… [and I] tear my ACL.”
Hooker completed 25 of 42 passes (59.5%) for 247 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions before exiting the contest. All things considered, it was a very impressive performance. Unfortunately, it also represented a disappointing conclusion to a year that the Volunteers believe could have had a fairytale ending.
